# How long does it take to redact a PDF?

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/answers/how-long-redact-pdf_

Most jobs to redact a PDF finish in a few seconds; large or scanned files take a little longer. Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. It runs in your browser session, so there is no upload queue to wait behind.

## Answer

Most jobs to redact a PDF finish in a few seconds; large or scanned files take a little longer. Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. It runs in your browser session, so there is no upload queue to wait behind.

## More about redact pdf

Real redaction deletes the underlying content; a black rectangle alone can be removed to reveal the text.

Copying text from under a fake redaction box exposes the hidden data — a common leak.

Redaction should also clear document metadata that can leak names and edit history.

## How to redact a PDF

1. **Open the redact tool** — Sign in and open the Redact tool.
2. **Mark what to hide** — Draw over the names, numbers or paragraphs that must be removed.
3. **Apply redaction** — Arthize deletes the underlying content, not just paints over it.
4. **Download** — Get a clean PDF where the redacted data is truly gone.

## FAQ

### How do I permanently redact text in a PDF?

Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Why is drawing a black box over text not safe?

Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Does redaction also remove hidden metadata?

Redacting a PDF permanently removes the underlying text and images under a black box — not just covering them — so hidden data can't be recovered. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.